Asia Laos About $12 million in digital taxes from global technology companies have been collected under new law: foreign providers of online services must register with Lao tax authorities regardless of whether they have a physical presence in the country
Europe Portugal There is 'no need' to limit water use, reportedly insisted Environment Minister Duarte Cordeiro, despite the fact that the continental territory is considered 89% drought-affected
America Argentina The hemp industry is expanding in the country, and 15 new genetic varieties will begin to be cultivated there; the fiber of this plant will be used in the textile industry to replace non-renewable materials of fossil origin
Africa Mali Relentless power outages are putting a strain on businesses and households, with blackouts lasting at least two hours in many parts of the capital
Asia China The country said it will fully implement the priority policy for youth employment and explore market-based employment channels, ensuring that the number of graduates accepted by central and state-owned enterprises is not lower than last year
Asia Thailand In the run-up to tomorrow's general election, the Royal Defamation Act has become a hot topic; it states that anyone who defames, insults or threatens the king, queen, heir designate or regent shall be punished by imprisonment from three to 15 years
Africa Mauritania Just under two million Mauritanian voters are being called upon today to choose their deputies, mayors and regional councillors in elections seen as a popularity test for President Mohamed Ould El-Ghazouani one year on from the presidential elections
Asia Laos Political activist 'Jack' Anousa Luangsuphom, who survived an assassination attempt, has left the country to receive urgent medical treatment, the BBC reports
America Saint Lucia The Minister of Home Affairs convened a high-level meeting in an effort to expedite the adjustment work related to the relocation of the Passport Office
Africa Egypt WB, from first relationship with Egypt, financed over 175 projects worth over $25 billion; Minister of International Cooperation noted that joint relation is not limited to development cooperation, but that Egyptian expertise has also enriched Bank's work
Oceania Australia Last month, the US, Australia and the UK unveiled details of a plan to provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines starting in the early 2030s to counter China's Indo-Pacific ambitions; UK visit is now ongoing
Africa Morocco 2022 was the warmest year recorded in Morocco in four decades, national meteorologists announced
Asia Kuwait Expatriates living in Kuwait will now be charged for blood transfusions, if undergoing non-urgent surgeries; with the new policy, also the prices have been announced
America Brazil Six new indigenous reserves have been established by decree of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which prohibit mining activities and impose limitations on commercial farming within these areas